🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DMSP Block 4B F-1
Retired 1970DMSP Block 4B F-1 (NORAD 3266, COSPAR 1968-042A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 30 Jan 1970, launched on 23 May 1968 on the DAPP 5420 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the DAPP 4B programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the DMSP Block 4B bus, with a mass of 79 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1968
launched
1970
retired
58
years on orbit
79
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched23 May 1968 · on the DAPP 5420 mission
Operational30 Jan 1970 · entered service
Retired30 Jan 1970 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID3266
COSPAR1968-042A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusDMSP Block 4B
Mass79 kg
ProgrammeDAPP 4B
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude817 × 901 km
Inclination98.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DMSP Block 4B F-1?
DMSP Block 4B F-1 was retired from service around 30 Jan 1970 after launching in 1968. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built DMSP Block 4B F-1?
DMSP Block 4B F-1 was operated by SAMSO and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.